In the spirit of LGBT+ History Month, we continue our journey by delving into the fascinating realm of the animal kingdom, challenging the misconception that LGBT+ behaviours are absent or unnatural in nature.

Contrary to such beliefs, the diversity observed in the natural world mirrors the rich spectrum of human identities and relationships.

Here are some examples of LGBT+ behaviours in nature that you may not have been aware of:

• Lesbian (L): The Laysan albatross population on Oahu, Hawaii includes 31% of female couples as pairing parents, according to pride.com. Female albatross, after mating with males, can pair with other females for the survival of their offspring; an endeavour that takes two parents to raise one chick per season. And because the albatross has a tendency towards monogamy, once two female albatross pair, it's often for life.

• Gay (G): Instances of gay behaviour are seen in various species, such as male giraffes and American bison forming strong bonds and engaging in affectionate interactions, highlighting the existence of same-sex partnerships in the wild.

• Bisexual (B): The concept of bisexual behaviours is exemplified in certain fish species, where they are known to switch genders, they are attracted to, allowing for fluid mating dynamics within their communities. Atlantic mollies, a tropical freshwater fish, encourage bisexual behaviour, according to the Royal Ontario Museum. Males found courting other males were shown to have improved chances of mating with a female. Another species of mollies has done away with males altogether and fertilise their eggs with closely related species.

• Transgender (T): In the T spectrum, some amphibians exhibit unique gender-transforming abilities. For instance, the clownfish, which was the inspiration for the famous character Nemo, can undergo a transformation from male to female in response to changes in their social environment.

For many other examples and more in-depth insights, you might like to check out The Natural History Museum’s LGBTQ+ virtual tour on YouTube and read this fascinating Greenpeace article.

As we explore the diverse LGBT+ behaviours in the animal kingdom, it becomes evident that these expressions are not only natural but also deeply ingrained in the fabric of our planet’s biodiversity. By acknowledging and understanding these behaviours, we break down stereotypes and foster a broader appreciation for the beauty of nature’s inclusivity.

In celebrating the interconnectedness of all life forms, we recognise that embracing diversity is not only a human endeavour but a universal truth in the natural world.

EMEA LGBT+ ERG